Technological regularities of derivation and physical-chemical properties of coffee-containing polylactide composites
Students Name: Pelenskyi Roman Yaroslavovych
Qualification Level: magister
Speciality: Chemical Technologies of High-molecular Compounds
Institute: Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies
Mode of Study: full
Academic Year: 2024-2025 н.р.
Language of Defence: ukrainian
Abstract: Research on composite materials based on polylactide (PLA) is gaining increasing attention due to their environmental benefits and the possibility of using secondary raw materials, particularly coffee grounds, as fillers. This study focuses on the properties of such composites, determining their composition and characteristics, and justifying their application prospects in industrial production conditions. Injection molding has been proposed as one of the most efficient methods for processing PLA composites due to its ability to ensure high productivity, precision, and stability in the technological process. This method enables the production of produc ts with complex configurations and a wide range of sizes, which is crucial for the large-scale application of these materials. Object of the study: PLA composites modified with coffee grounds and their processing methods. Subject of the study: Investigation of the properties of PLA composites and the justification for using injection molding as a processing method. Objective of the study: To study the mechanical, thermomechanical, and physico-chemical properties of PLA composites with coffee grounds, substantiate their applicability in industrial conditions, and propose injection molding as a technological processing method. The master’s qualification thesis characterizes the main properties of polylactide composite materials modified with coffee grounds and examines their behavior under thermal and mechanical loads. A literature review was conducted on the potential use of coffee waste in composite materials, and their impact on the thermal resistance, elasticity, and deformation properties of PLA composites was identified. 5 Injection molding was proposed as the most effective method for processing PLA composites due to its ability to ensure uniform filler distribution in the matrix, high productivity, and scalability. The main parameters of this method, such as melting temperature, injection pressure, cooling time, and holding time, were analyzed, along with possible process modifications to ensure high-quality finished products. The advantages of using coffee grounds as a filler are highlighted, particularly their ability to improve the thermal resistance and mechanical properties of the composite while maintaining economic and environmental feasibility. An economic analysis of the proposed process was conducted, estimating the approximate cost and profitability of production. Working conditions for manufacturing PLA composite products were also reviewed, and measures to enhance workplace safety were proposed. Keywords: polylactide, coffee grounds, injection molding, thermal resistance, composite materials, composite properties, industrial processing.